Sonya R. Calooy, ACC, CPTD

Fractional CLO | Executive Performance Coach

SpiritHawk Coaching & Consulting · Houston, TX

Aug 2020 – Present(5 yrs 9 mos)

I lead SpiritHawk Coaching & Consulting in delivering transformative learning solutions and leadership coaching services tailored to the unique needs of global organizations and individuals. My role combines strategy, creativity, and collaboration to foster growth and innovation for clients across diverse industries. Key Achievements and Projects • Rebranding & Strategic Realignment: Rebranded SpiritHawk Coaching & Consulting to enhance market positioning, crafting business, communication, and creative strategies while fostering long-term client relationships. • The Home Depot: Conducted needs assessments for the product leadership team, identifying key development priorities. Designed and facilitated sessions for the 2025 Product Leadership Summit, driving alignment and engagement. • American Express: Revamped leadership curriculum and global new hire onboarding by conducting benchmarking, data synthesis, and market research for the Global Commercial Services division, enhancing compliance, sales enablement, and succession planning. • Meta (formerly Facebook): Designed processes and streamlined operations for the Legal Learning team during the Operating Model Transformation Project, launching the Scaled Compliance Training Organization (SCTO) Center of Excellence (CoE). • “Improv for Better Coaching™”: Launched a workshop blending improv techniques with neuroscience to boost resilience, creativity, and team cohesion. Partnered with The Houston Food Bank, donating a portion of proceeds. • ATD Houston Conference: Presented “Improv-ing Your Coaching Game: Comedy Techniques for Serious Results” at the 2024 ATD Houston Talent Development Conference, showcasing innovative methods to enhance coaching and leadership development. Credentials and Professional Growth • Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – International Coaching Federation (ICF) • Certified Business Coach (CBC) – Mindvalley Coach, an ICF and EMCC-accredited program provider

Learning Leader - Functional Learning / Instructional Design

Baker Hughes · Houston, Texas Area

Sep 2018 – Aug 2020(2 yrs)

In this role, I spearheaded the global learning strategy for all functions at Baker Hughes, focusing on aligning scalable learning solutions with business objectives. As leader of the Learning Design & Development Center of Excellence (CoE), I played a key role in transforming the organization’s learning infrastructure and fostering team engagement across a multinational workforce. Key Achievements and Contributions • Learning Strategy Development: Directed the company-wide learning strategy for all functions, integrating KPIs, curriculum development, and scalable delivery solutions to meet diverse business needs. Led internal communications for the Learning Design & Development CoE. • Leadership Coaching: Provided coaching and development for senior leaders within the functions, resulting in higher team engagement scores and successful succession planning. • HR Collaboration: Partnered with HR executives to align leadership and learning strategies with business goals, leading to a 20% improvement in team performance metrics. • Leadership Development Programs: Designed scalable leadership development programs for functional teams, achieving an 18% reduction in turnover and increased productivity. • Post-Merger Integration: Designed the new operating model for the instructional design CoE post-merger, aligning talent management, learning experience design, and vendor management processes to ensure organizational consistency and best practices. • Global Team Leadership: Led a team of 12 global L&D managers in creating a core catalog of management, digital, and leadership competencies mapped to the new company values and leadership framework. Developed an implementation plan to enhance bench strength and leadership readiness.

Learning Architect

ELS Consulting · Houston, Texas Area

2016 – 2018(2 yrs)

I developed tailored learning solutions for consulting clients, addressing critical development needs while building strategic advisory relationships with senior leaders to drive organizational growth. This role focused on designing innovative programs and processes to enhance leadership capabilities and organizational efficiency. Key Achievements • Virgin Media: Created interactive digital guides for UK leadership programs, equipping first-time managers with core leadership skills, coaching techniques, and fostering DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) and cultural awareness. • PNC Bank: Collaborated as Senior Design Consultant to restructure the Learning Center of Excellence post-merger. Spearheaded process transformation, operating model redesign, and delivered a finance operations curriculum that improved efficiency and alignment. • Strategic Leadership Development: Designed bespoke learning solutions tailored to client needs, providing advisory services to senior leaders and supporting long-term organizational growth.

Learning Advisor for Exploration, Commercial & Arctic

Shell · Houston, Texas

2012 – 2016(4 yrs)

I designed and implemented learning strategies that aligned with business objectives and safety priorities for Shell’s Exploration, Arctic, and Upstream Americas Safety divisions. My work focused on driving organizational alignment, operational efficiency, and leadership development to support critical business goals. Key Achievements • Strategic Learning Design: Developed and executed annual learning strategies and communication plans, aligning initiatives with business objectives and safety priorities across diverse divisions. • Leadership Development: Served as Master Facilitator for Shell’s Foundational Leadership Core program, coaching facilitation staff and advising HR partners and senior stakeholders. • Service Recognition: Earned a Service Recognition Award from the VP of Safety and Environment for excellence in designing and facilitating change management workshops during organizational restructuring. • Cost Savings: - Achieved $1.14M in savings through process improvement reviews of Geosciences Technical Leadership programs, streamlining operations and boosting program efficiency. - Delivered $1.11M in cost avoidance for Alaska Venture by driving continuous improvement and mitigating risks in Arctic Safety and Technical training programs.

Learning Account Manager

Shell · The Hague, Netherlands and Houston, Texas, USA

2010 – 2012(2 yrs)

As Learning Account Manager for Shell’s Downstream businesses, I directed the design and development of learning initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals and operational priorities. My role involved leading large-scale training programs, optimizing processes, and driving measurable results across global teams. Key Achievements • Strategic Learning Leadership: Directed the design and development of 140+ technical training curricula annually, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and seamless implementation. • Award-Winning Projects: Led the team recognized with the Brandon Hall Award for excellence in designing Distributor Frontline Technical Support within the Extended Enterprise Learning Program category. • Operational Efficiency: Reduced project errors and delays by 50% through disciplined process alignment and virtual workshops that improved collaboration and efficiency among vendor teams. • Cost Savings: Achieved a 75% reduction in global development costs, earning a Service Recognition Award for spearheading the Global Vendor Project and implementing cost-effective onboarding solutions.

Global Head of Design & Development

Shell · The Hague, Netherlands

2008 – 2010(2 yrs)

I led global learning initiatives at Shell, overseeing a $7.2M budget and managing a team responsible for delivering over 550 learning interventions annually. My focus was on driving innovation, ensuring quality, and aligning learning strategies with Shell’s organizational goals to maintain a competitive edge. Key Achievements • Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded the development of a centralized Center of Excellence (CoE) for learning design and development, marketing services to global leaders and aligning priorities across business lines. • Curriculum Optimization: Designed a scalable, long-term global curriculum strategy, optimizing resource allocation and establishing quality assurance processes for blended and e-learning solutions. • Global Technology Transformation: Partnered with Enterprise IT leadership to consolidate 27 regional legacy LMS platforms into a single centralized system, improving scalability and operational efficiency. • Talent Development: Contributed to global talent strategy and succession planning as a member of the learning leadership team, supporting talent reviews and organizational growth initiatives. • Cost Savings: Managed the global RFP process for vendor acquisition, implementing cost-effective global outsourcing strategies to achieve significant cost reductions.

Senior Learning Designer

Shell · Houston, Texas

2007 – 2008(1 yr)

As a Senior Learning Designer, I supervised a team of 10 contractors in designing and delivering 55+ annual learning events for Shell’s Global Functions and Downstream organizations. I managed collaboration between Shell subject matter experts, external university partners, and contract designers to develop curriculum portfolios supporting critical business objectives within Shell Learning, the corporate university of Shell International. Key Achievements • Curriculum Development: Led the development of the Shell Project Academy and Finance in Projects curriculum portfolios, ensuring alignment with Shell Learning’s standards and business priorities. • Process Safety Recognition: Received the Executive Vice President Global Manufacturing Recognition Award for developing and implementing the Barrier Thinking program, strengthening process safety performance. • Finance Skill Development: Granted the Chief Financial Officer Recognition Award for designing the Controllers Curriculum, recognized as the Best Contribution to Finance Skill Development.

Senior Learning Design Consultant

SAVI Learning · Dallas, Texas

2006 – 2007(1 yr)

As a Senior Learning Design Consultant embedded at Shell, I collaborated with internal subject matter experts and external university partners to design and deliver innovative corporate academy programs. My work focused on advancing blended learning methodologies and aligning solutions with organizational goals. Key Achievements • Industry Recognition: Honored by Brandon Hall Research and Training magazine as an industry “Blended Learning Expert” for advancing best practices in blended learning design.

Senior Learning Consultant

Modis Consulting · Dallas/Fort Worth Area

2005 – 2006(1 yr)

As a Senior Learning Consultant, I provided design consulting services to Fortune 1000 companies and corporate universities, delivering innovative learning solutions tailored to diverse organizational needs. My role focused on creating impactful programs that enhanced team performance and organizational effectiveness. Key Achievement • Award-Winning Instructional Design: Received the MODIS Best Practices Award for the “Tribal Journey” experiential learning project for Yum! Brands, which highlighted the culture of high-performing teams and identified key weaknesses in struggling franchises.

Chief Laughing Officer

Funny Business Consulting · Dallas, Texas

2002 – 2005(3 yrs)

As Managing Partner of Funny Business Consulting, I led a consulting firm specializing in corporate comedy workshops and instructional design services. Our unique humor-based approach helped organizations enhance team dynamics, creativity, and engagement through innovative learning solutions. Key Focus Areas • Designed and facilitated humor-infused corporate workshops to improve collaboration, communication, and team performance. • Delivered instructional design services that integrated humor to make learning experiences engaging and memorable. • Partnered with organizations to foster creativity and boost employee engagement through laughter-based strategies.

Visiting Scholar and Instructor

El Centro College · Dallas/Fort Worth Area

2000 – 2002(2 yrs)

As a faculty member of the Internet Development Technologies (IDT) Program at El Centro College, I facilitated courses that blended technical expertise with creative design principles. My role focused on equipping students with practical skills in communication design, web development, and digital marketing strategies. Key Focus Areas • Taught classroom-based courses in Communication Design, Web Design, Animation/Multimedia Design, and E-commerce Marketing Strategy, preparing students for emerging opportunities in the digital economy. • Contributed to the development of a forward-thinking curriculum that integrated cutting-edge industry tools and practices. • Mentored students to cultivate technical proficiency, creative problem-solving skills, and market-ready expertise in digital design and e-commerce.

CEO/CCO

Creative Showcase, Inc. · Dallas/Fort Worth Area

1990 – 2002(12 yrs)

As the founder and CEO of Creative Showcase, Inc., I led a creative services firm that delivered innovative advertising and marketing solutions to clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. My role encompassed overseeing all aspects of business operations while driving the creative vision and strategic direction of the company. Key Achievements • Client Partnerships: Provided advertising and design support to major clients, including Frito-Lay, PepsiCo, Yum! Brands, American Airlines, and Radio Shack. Collaborated with top agencies such as Tracy-Locke Advertising and The Promotion Network to execute impactful campaigns. • Creative Excellence: Directed all creative services, including campaign development, brand strategy, and multimedia production, ensuring high-quality and results-driven solutions. • Diverse Portfolio: Partnered with clients across industries, showcasing adaptability in addressing unique business needs and delivering measurable outcomes. • Business Growth: Scaled the firm over 12 years, building a strong reputation for exceptional creative solutions and fostering long-term client relationships.